SoCal military news

Nimitz hosts Commander, US 3rd Fleet
4/17/201
by MCSN Leon Wong USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), at sea, as part of a scheduled visit, April 14.
Tyson visited Nimitz to meet with leadership and observe Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 during their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) as they prepare for an upcoming deployment.
This is Tyson's first visit to Nimitz since 2016, after the ship completed a nearly two-year yard period at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and began its condensed Inter-Deployment Training Cycle (IDTC).
"It's been my pleasure to watch you guys finish up the yard period, which I know is not an easy task," said Tyson while addressing the crew. "It extended longer than you would have liked, but you guys did a great job getting out of the yards, building the team, getting through workups and getting to where you are today."
Nimitz left its homeport of Bremerton, Washington, March 13 to begin COMPTUEX and is expected to complete the final phase of deployment training later this month.
"I know that every one of you here on this ship are being challenged," said Tyson. "Look out for each other. You will be tired and we know that. Make sure you are looking out for your shipmates through every evolution and being safe."
The visit also allowed Tyson to convene with Commander, CSG 11 Rear Adm. William Byrne and Commander, CSG 15 Rear Adm. Ross Myers, who is evaluating CSG 11 on their COMPTUEX performance.
"I feel very confident that when you deploy later this year, our country can feel very confident and proud of this strike group as she goes west to serve in future areas of operations," said Tyson.

Welcome Home USS Pasadena



SAN DIEGO (March 30, 2017) The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) arrives at Naval Base Point Loma, Calif. Pasadena returned to San Diego after completing a six-month deployment to the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Derek Stroop

USS Green Bay all-hands call



EAST CHINA SEA (March 29, 2017) Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, addresses Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during an all-hands call. Green Bay is part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, which is on a routine patrol operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance warfighting readiness and posture forward as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kaleb R. Staples




U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (March 22, 2017) United States and the Republic of Korea Navy vessels participate in a photo exercise during Exercise Foal Eagle. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Z.A. Landers

National military news

Vice President Pence wraps up first official visit to Japan
4/19/2017
by MCC Ben Farone, Naval Air Facility Atsugi Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Vice President Mike Pence departed Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan via Air Force Two April 19, bringing to a close his first official visit to Japan as the U.S. Vice President.
During the Japan portion of his regional visit, the Vice President traveled to Tokyo where he met with Prime Minister Shinz Abe and led the inaugural U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue with Deputy Prime Minister Tar As. The Vice President also participated in a listening session followed by remarks to the U.S. and Japanese business community.
Naval Air Facility Atsugi Commanding Officer, Capt. John Bushey, from Spencer, Iowa, said NAF Atsugi serving as the inaugural naval installation in Japan to host the Vice President on his first official visit here is a great opportunity to highlight the service of Sailors, Families and Civilians at the tip of the spear as well as showcase the base.
"We're extremely honored to have supported the Vice President and his staff during his visit to Japan, and proud our Sailors in Atsugi could participate in welcoming him on his first official visit to Japan," Bushey said.
Continuing the Administration's commitment to rebuilding the U.S. military and to its alliances in the region, the Vice President toured the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) where he received a briefing on the U.S.-Japan alliance by U.S. Forces, Japan Commander Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez, and gave remarks to Japan-based soldiers, Sailors, airmen and Marines, as well as members of the Japan Maritime Self- Defense Force (JMSDF).
During his trip, the Vice President emphasized President Trump's continued commitment to U.S. alliances and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighted the Administration's economic agenda, and underscored America's support for our troops at home and abroad.

USS Zephyr Completes Puerto Rico port visit
4/18/2017
by MC3 Casey J. Hopkins
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (NNS) -- The Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship USS Zephyr (PC 8) completed a mid-deployment voyage repair (MDVR) at U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 17.
While in port, Zephyr Sailors got the chance to explore the town and engage in local culture.
Zephyr, which is home ported in Mayport, Florida, is currently underway in support of Operation Martillo, a joint operation with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner nations, within the 4th Fleet area of responsibility.

Navy suspends Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) on ships, subs, aircraft
4/14/2017
From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) released a joint message April 14, that suspends the use, possession, storage and charging of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) aboard ships, submarines, aircraft, boats, craft and heavy equipment.
The prohibition applies to Sailors, Marines, Military Sealift Command civilians and any personnel working on or visiting those units.
The Fleet commanders implemented this policy to protect the safety and welfare of Sailors and to protect the ships, submarines, aircraft and equipment.
The prohibition will be effective 30 days from the release of the policy May 14, and will remain in effect until a final determination can be made following a thorough analysis.
This new policy is in response to continued reports of explosions of ENDS due to the overheating of lithium-ion batteries. Multiple Sailors have suffered serious injuries from these devices, to include first- and second-degree burns and facial disfigurement. In these cases, injuries resulted from battery explosions during ENDS use, charging, replacement or inadvertent contact with a metal object while transporting.
Deployed units may request extensions on device removal until their next port visit. Supervisors should ensure that removable lithium-ion batteries are removed from the units and stored according to the ENDS manufacturer instructions, in plastic wrap, in a plastic bag or any other non-conductive storage container.
Sailors on shore will still be allowed to use ENDS on base, but must do so in designated smoking areas ashore while on military installations.
Sailors are encouraged to use available tobacco cessation resources and programs offered through Navy medical services and Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) programs.
For more information, please see ALFLTFORCOM/ALPACFLT 141300Z APR 17.

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (March 22, 2017) United States and the Republic of Korea Navy vessels participate in a photo exercise during Operation Foal Eagle. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Devin M. Monroe



United Through Reading®
Deploying? Service members invited to record stories for family at San Diego USO
United Through Reading® is a program helping ease the stress of separation for military families by having deploying or deployed service members read children’s books aloud via DVD for their family to watch at home. This powerful program is available to all military units. It provides service members a chance to make lasting connections from afar. The DVD recording and the book are mailed to the child and family back home.
Service members who are leaving for training can also take part in this program. Being a parent is not required; service members can send the DVD & book(s) to any special child in their life such as younger sister or brother, niece, nephew or godchild.
On the day of the recording, service members are encouraged to dress in the attire they will be wearing while deployed/training, but this is not required. The room is private, so any special message, or those fun reading voices, will only be heard by the recipient of the DVD recording. USO San Diego has books available, or service members can bring their own. Our volunteers will help set up the camera and then leave the room. The DVD can hold a 30 minute recording.
Please e-mail USO San Diego Staff Member Nichole Duarte at utr@usosandiego.org to make your appointment. This program is offered at both USO San Diego centers.